Understanding the Lack of Diversity in Sport Consumer Behavior Research

Abstract

Sport consumer behavior researchers have developed a robust understanding of how and why people consume sport, and the consequences of consumption. There has been little reflection, however, on the settings or populations used to study consumers and develop theory. In acknowledging the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to advance both theory and practice, the authors conducted a scoping review of diversity in sport consumer behavior research, focusing on four sport management journals. The review revealed a widespread lack of diversity, with most studies focusing on men’s sport in highly commercialized settings. Furthermore, study participants often identify as White men, middle-aged or young, educated, and with at least some disposable income. Leveraging an institutional work lens, the authors address taken-for-granted norms that may have contributed to these trends and propose solutions.

Service encounter and repurchase intention in fitness centers: perceived value as a mediator and service innovativeness as a moderator

“…Most previous studies examined how service quality shapes customers' perceptions and behaviors (Behnam et al. , 2020a; Delia et al. , 2022; Kim, 2022).…”

“…In addition, the outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly affected the high-participation and interaction-oriented fitness services as various measures and restrictions to contain the virus have changed how customers interact with employees in fitness centers (Delia et al. , 2022).…”

“…Fitness service settings encompass the delivery of specialized competencies (i.e. knowledge and skills) through various social interactions and activities between service providers and customers in order to create a successful service experience (Delia et al, 2022;Kim, 2022;Thompson, 2022;Rather, 2020). For example, Behnam et al (2021a) found that customers with knowledge and skills are more engaged in fitness service.…”

“…Therefore, in the context of fitness service, customers' perceptions of service innovativeness may facilitate the service delivery process, which further creates value for the service experience and may change customers' behaviors (Delia et al, 2022;Kim, 2022). Moreover, a higher level of service innovativeness is accompanied by a higher level of value perceived by customers.…”

Introduction: State of Literature Special Issue

“…Baker et al (2022) synthesize the sport brand literature, suggest specific methodological and theoretical advances, and create a new framework, the Sport Brand Ecosystem and Environment, to organize future brand research. Delia et al (2022) utilize institutional theory to assess the sport consumer behavior literature and discover a woeful lack of diversity in participants and settings, suggesting how future researchers can disrupt these norms. Misener et al (2022) use a critical social science perspective to review the interorganizational relationships literature, examine the effect of interorganizational relationships on amateur sport and how unique settings impact these collaborations, and challenge assumptions regarding the value of interorganizational relationships in amateur sport.…”